Selecting fatigue critical inspection location of offshore topside piping using fuzzy-AHP framework

摘要

The paper proposes a Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) based methodology to prioritize inspection of Potential Fatigue Critical Locations (PFCLs) on topside piping. In order to account for the uncertainties in the AHP based approach, arising due to crisp scale, the FAHP uses pre-defined fuzzy set scale and certain degree of fuzziness. Based on the experts' background knowledge regarding the technical reality of the piping system, he/she selects the value that reflects his/her confidence regarding the technical reality of the system. Thereafter, the Composite Priority Weights (CPWs) of piping locations in different units are obtained from modified synthetic extent analysis. Thereby, the locations with highest CPWs serves as PFCL, and is prioritized for further assessment during stage 2 of the risk assessment process (RAP). A case study is performed to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methodology.